Snowflake Moray Eel (Echidna nebulosa) Care Guide

One of the most docile moray eels and a popular choice for marine aquariums. It features a white body covered with black and yellow snowflake-like patterns.

Overview

Echidna nebulosa is a species in the family Muraenidae. One of the most docile moray eels and a popular choice for marine aquariums. It features a white body covered with black and yellow snowflake-like patterns. Unlike most morays, it primarily feeds on crustaceans rather than fish, making it safer with medium-sized tankmates. Requires a tight-fitting lid as it is an escape artist.

Taxonomy

Family: Muraenidae
Genus: Echidna
Scientific name: Echidna nebulosa
Other names: Clouded Moray, Starry Moray
Origin: Indo-Pacific, Red Sea

Habitat

Echidna nebulosa is a moray eel of shallow Indo-Pacific reefs and the Red Sea, sheltering in rock and rubble. It has blunt, pebble-like teeth specialised for crushing crustaceans rather than seizing fish, making it relatively fish-tolerant but a threat to shrimp and crabs.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 300 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.1-8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
KH: 8-12 dKH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 40-60 cm
Lifespan: 10-20 years
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: every 2-3 days. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: semi-aggressive
Position in tank: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Large Tangs, Large Angelfish, Triggerfish, Groupers
Avoid with: Small Shrimp, Small Crabs, Small Fish

Reef compatibility

Generally classified as reef-safe with caution: may disturb other sessile invertebrates, sting neighbouring corals or prey on small ornamental shrimps, so placement and tankmates need consideration.

Breeding

Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
Breeding difficulty: advanced